NEWS FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Welcome to another exciting school year at Bartlett Elementary School!  
 I would like to welcome our new staff members to Bartlett Elementary School.  They include:
    Catherine Whitney - School Nurse
    Michelle Marzelli - ELL
    Brett Wilcox - Physical Education
There have been a few changes. This year Mrs. Groves will be teaching third grade and  Mrs. Stanhope will be teaching fourth grade.  Justin Campbell will filling in for our music teacher, Ms. Pang, who will be taking a medical leave this fall. 

SCHOOL HOURS

School hours are from 8:15 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. each day.  Staff members are assigned to supervise the playground and the breakfast program beginning at 7:55 a.m.  Therefore, children who walk to school or who are driven should arrive on the playground no earlier than 7:55 a.m.  Children must not remain on school property after 2:45 unless they are participating in a supervised activity. 

 

HANNAFORD HELP SCHOOLS

Hannaford Helps Schools is a program that provides schools an opportunity to raise money for playgrounds, assemblies, etc. When customers purchase participating products at any Hannaford Supermarkets, now through the beginning of December, they will receive “School Dollar” certificates at the register. Just bring these certificates to the school through December 5th and help support the school. A brochure is going home with your child to further explain the program. We appreciate your support.

VOLUNTEERING AT BARTLETT

Any volunteer who may be left alone with students or who chaperone field trips needs to be fingerprinted.  SAU #19 will be hosting fingerprinting opportunities throughout the school year on the first Wednesday of each month, from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon.  The first date will be Wednesday, October 6, 2010.  Volunteers do not need to make an appointment during these open times.  Just check in with the receptionist at the SAU office.  You will need a photo identification and a check for $25.00, made payable to State of NH-Criminal Records.  You will be reimbursed once you document five hours of volunteer time.

BEFORE SCHOOL PROGRAM

During the past few years, the New Morning After School Program has provided a safe program right in our gym.  They offer crafts, games, homework support and community service activities.   This year, they are also offering a Before School Program, also in the gym.  This program runs from 7:00 to 8:00, when the students typically arrive for breakfast or recess.  If you are interested in this program or would like more information, please contact the New Morning Schools at 669-3591.  

BIRTHDAY BOOKS

This year students at Bartlett Elementary School will once again be called to the office on their birthday to receive a book chosen especially for them.  This program, sponsored by the PTA and  coordinated by Mrs. Audley, will begin again soon. 

 

THE PARADE IS COMING!

In keeping with tradition, the students of Bartlett Elementary School will participate in the Halloween Parade on Wednesday, October 31st in Goffstown Center.  The students will be transported by bus to Maple Ave. School and the parade will begin around 1:15.  The students will march through the center of Goffstown to St. Lawrence Church and then return for the bus ride back to Bartlett.  Students will return to Bartlett around 2:30.   Please notify your child’s teacher by writing a note if you do not want your child to participate in the Halloween Parade or be transported to the event.

SPOOKY STORY NIGHT

Mark your calendars.  Spooky Story Night is Friday, October 26th.  Guest readers will be reading Spooky Stories from 6:00 to 7:30.  Kids are encouraged to wear costumes.  A fun and frightening night is guaranteed!  

 

AUDITIONS FOR MUNCHKINS

GHS Music is presenting The Wizard of Oz on February 15-23.  Students in grades 3-6 can audition to be a Munchkin on Tuesday, Oct. 23 and Wednesday, Oct. 24.  For details and to schedule an auditon, email dmckernan @goffstown.k12.nh.us (Note: there is a costuming/supervisory staff fee for participants).

EARTH HOUR 

This year we will again be  participating in the Earth Hour program, a worldwide recognition of global energy usage.  Activities will take place on Friday, March 30th, when all students are asked to wear black and we will be shutting off our lights at 2:00 until the end of the day.  We hope you will join millions of people around the world by shutting off your lights from 8:30-9:30 pm on Saturday, March 31st.  For more information, please go to www.earthhourkids.org 

PENNIES FOR PASTA WINNERS

During the month of February, the students and staff donated their pennies to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  The class who raised the most money will receive a free pasta dinner from Olive Garden, delivered to the school on April 11th.  We are pleased to announce that Ms. Webber’s 4th grade class is the winner, raising $213.21.  We are pleased with the wonderful job everyone did on this project!

NWEA  ASSESSMENT 

Beginning in April, students in grades two through four will be participating in the NWEA testing program.  The NWEA is a computerized assessment of academic skills in the areas of Reading, Math and Language Usage.  The results provide a review of student progress and help the school measure its progress in reaching curriculum goals.  We have been pleased with the students’ participation and motivation while taking these tests.

STUDENT CLOTHING

Warm weather is here, hopefully to stay.  Please remember that certain dress is recommended for students and staff at our schools.  Our Parent-Student Handbook states, “Students should dress appropriately for school with an emphasis on the age of the children, safety, and non-offensive clothing.  Bartlett Elementary School prohibits the wearing of “Belly” shirts, revealing clothing, short shorts, backless blouses, shirts with spaghetti straps, clothing with graphic or offensive language or pictures, hats in the building, and backless shoes while at school.”  Parents will be contacted if students wear inappropriate clothing or alternative clothing will be provided by the nurse if necessary.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Progress Reports for the second trimester are going home on March 29th. This report gives parents feedback on how their child is doing in school.  If you have any questions about the Progress Report or how your child is doing in school, please contact his/her teacher or set up a conference to discuss your concerns.

CAKE DECORATING CONTEST 

As part of the Easter Bunny Breakfast celebration, a cake decorating contest will once again be held this year.  Baked goods for the contest are to be dropped off on the morning of April 6th.  To avoid traffic pile-ups, someone will greet you at the door to take your entry. Judging will take place mid-morning.  Donated cakes will be used for the Cake Walk during the Easter Bunny Breakfast.

BREAKFAST  WITH  THE EASTER BUNNY 

On Saturday, April 7th, the Goffstown Community Club will host "Breakfast With the Easter Bunny" in the Bartlett Elementary School cafeteria.  Besides having a delicious pancake breakfast, children will be able to have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny, participate in numerous activities, raffles and enjoy a cakewalk.  So join us for a fun-filled morning!

EASTER BASKET RAFFLE 

Classrooms will be filling theme baskets for Breakfast With the Easter Bunny sponsored by the Greater Goffstown Community Association. The breakfast will be held Saturday, April 7th.  Students and staff will be asked to donate one item for his/her classroom basket.  The theme for each classroom basket is:

• Mrs. Mullin - Keep In Touch
• Mrs. McNamee - Indoor/Outdoor Summer
• Mrs. Starvish - Breakfast
• Mrs. Audley - Chocolate
• Mrs. Groves - Bathtime
• Mrs. Guerrette - Easter Fun
• Mrs. Crete - Spring Fun
• Mrs. Stanhope - The Garden
• Ms. Garon - Beach Fun
• Mrs. Ward - Pinks, Blues & Yellows
• Ms. Webber - Spring Sports
• Office - Fun With Baking

GRANDPARENT’S LUNCH

We will be having our annual Grandparents’ Lunch on Wednesday, April 11th for grades one and two and on Wednesday, April 18th for grades three and four.  We will be serving Macaroni and Cheese with Ham, the winning vote during our recent Kids Vote program. 

KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE

Now that spring is near and your child will be playing outside more, remind your child about safety at home and away.  Remind your children not to go anywhere with strangers and to tell you if something happens that concerns them.

PENNIES FOR FIGHTING LEUKEMIA

During the last three weeks, the students and staff at Bartlett Elementary School have been donating their change to make a donation to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  We were expecting to make a donation of $500.  We are thrilled that we raised over $1400!  The school collection has ended but you can still make donations at any Coinstar machine (except at WalMart).  Select the “donate” option, then select “The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society”. The students truly enjoyed this community service project.

REMEMBER TO VOTE 

Please be a role model to your children by remembering to vote on March 13th.  Voting booths will be open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. While you are voting, all Pinardville students will be able to participate in the Kids Voting program. Students will have a special ballot to vote for items that are important to them.  Help your child see the importance of voting by being a good role model and by bringing them to vote too!

HELPING STUDENTS BE SAFE
A letter went home a few weeks ago from Supt. of Schools, Stacy Buckley, about a possible abduction attempt.  Some of our students have seemed nervous, saying they have seen suspicious people.  Because of this, we asked a member of the Goffstown Police Department to attend last month's All-School Meeting.  Office  Buker discussed “Stranger Danger” and the importance of honestly reporting suspicious activity.

DR. SEUSS BIRTHDAY NIGHT 
We will celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday on Tuesday, March 6th.  Come join us in celebrating Dr. Seuss's upcoming birthday and listen to some wonderful stories. 

BOOK FAIR IS COMING!
The Bartlett PTA will hold its spring Scholastic Book Fair during the week of March 5th. The book fair will also be open during the evening of Dr. Seuss Night!

VACATION NOTICE 
The office at Bartlett Elementary School will be closed during February vacation.  You may leave a message on our voice mail system if you need to contact someone during the vacation and your call will be returned as soon as possible.  Sorry for any inconvenience.

PROGRESS REPORTS
Second trimester progress reports are scheduled to go home on March 29th.

KEEP OUR PLAYGROUND CLEAN
The Bartlett community is very proud of our playground.  When our new playground was built almost three years ago, the fence surrounding it was torn down so the community could use it after school and on weekends.  However, we have been finding a lot of garbage each morning including cans, bottles and cigarette butts.  If you or your friends use the playground, please deposit your litter in the trash barrels.  

DONATE YOUR OLD SNEAKERS
A couple of days ago, a notice went home to Bartlett and Glen Lake families asking for our help with a community project that Maple Ave. School is sponsoring.  There is a box in our lobby to take your donation of used sneakers.  Instead of throwing away those old, smelly sneakers, bring them to Bartlett!

GOFFSTOWN LIBRARY NEWS
Do you have an eReader? Are you not quite sure how to use it? Have no fear! The staff at the Goffstown Public Library has classes on how to download library e-books to your Nook or Kindle!
On Saturday, February 25 at 12:30 p.m. learn to download library e-books to your NOOK.  Please have your device registered with Barnes & Noble.
On Tuesday, February 28 at 6:30 p.m. learn to download library e-books to your KINDLE.  Please have your device registered with Amazon.

NEWS FROM THE PRINCIPAL

NO SCHOOL REMINDER

The New Hampshire Primary has been set for January 10, 2012. Voting will be held at Bartlett Elementary School, so we won't have school that day. Students are encouraged to participate in the Kids Vote program on Primary Day.

MOVIE NIGHTReady..Set...Mark your calendars!
VVRRRROOOMMM on into Movie Night on Friday, January 27th at 6 pm. We will be watching Cars 2! Hope to see you there!

CALLING ALL FIRST GRADERS!

If you have a child who will be entering first grade next fall or know somebody who does, please call the school at 623-8088 to begin the registration process. A child must be six years old on or before September 30th to enter the first grade.

TRAFFIC ISSUES

Due to safety concerns and traffic backup on Mast Road in the morning, please do not let your child exit your car until a staff member opens the car door for your child. Your child should be ready with his/her backpack to exit from the passenger side door. This procedure is necessary to help ensure the safety of our students and to alleviate traffic congestion in the circle and on Mast Road. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

NURSE’S NEWS

If you are calling your child in sick, the nurse needs to know the nature of the illness and symptoms. You can leave a message on her voice mail at 623-8088 ext.5902. Thank you very much.

EARLY ADMITTANCE POLICY

The Goffstown School Board has a policy (JEB-R) on requesting a waiver of school entrance age. The policy for entrance into first grade is that a child must be six years old on or before September 30th to enter the first grade. The parent/guardian of a child who does not meet this criteria may petition for early admission by submitting a written request to the Superintendent of Schools by March 15, prior to the year in question. The Superintendent of Schools will provide a copy of the procedures and a list of information which the Board may consider. Before the Board hears the request, the following information is generally required:
1. Testing completed by SAU 19 personnel. This testing is completed after regular school hours at the parent’s expense.
2. Information regarding the child’s intellectual abilities, social and emotional development, and physical abilities.
3. Written recommendations of a kindergarten teacher or other individuals with specific knowledge of the child’s intellectual, academic and social development.

GOFFSTOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET NEWS

For information regarding the Goffstown School District budget for the 2012-2013 school year, please go to the Goffstown School District website or http://goffstown.k12.nh.us/SAU19/index.php/2012-2013-budget-info. At this site, you will find the Superintendent’s budget presentation and a summary of abbreviations often used. The School Board’s budget and frequently asked questions are available. Stay informed of the process and how you can participate! Watch for additional information throughout the process at this link!